Ad Opportunity: Travel Agencies and Niche Markets

 

As travelers have more access to information, they may be apt to demand more from travel agents. They may also be tempted to expand their travel to more adventurous destinations. These were key findings in the most recent survey from Amadeus. The research concern also predicted an increase in international travel for both business and pleasure as the economy becomes more globalized.

Where do all of these changes leave travel professionals? Most believe that they need to adjust the scope of their services. Over 79% of surveyed professionals agree that providing service after a trip is booked will general additional revenue.

The Amadeus survey also reveals that the power of the Internet has allowed travel professionals to advertise more specialized services to smaller groups of potential consumers. Online agencies, in particular, reported that “80% of products account for 80% of their revenue.” This niche market angle may continue to grow as operators see promise in the following smaller markets:

• Adventure travel 83%
• Religious travel 55%
• Weddings 45%

Now might be the best time to contact travel professionals in your market and sell them on your ideas to help them reach consumers in the niche categories that are becoming so important to this industry.

[Source: Amateur-Expert Traveller, Amadeus, Fall 2009]